Home Minister lauds NDRF's efforts in Nepal

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the rescue and relief operations in Nepal and added that the organisation has made a 'separate identity' for itself following its endeavours.

Singh said that ever since he became Home Minister, he has only heard praises of the NDRF and never heard a word of criticism against the organisation.

"The NDRF has made its separate identity with their work. They played a very important role in the relief and rescue operations in Nepal," Singh said.

"I did not have enough knowledge about the role of NDRF before joining the Ministry. But, ever since the first incident where they helped in the Malin landslide, I have only heard praises of the NDRF and never heard anything bad about them," he added.

The Home Minister further added that he was extremely proud when Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had appreciated the accomplishments of the NDRF in the quake-struck Himalayan nation.

Nepal was devastated by a massive earthquake on April 25, which measured 7.9 on the Richter scale and resulted in the deaths of over 7,000 people. It is being viewed as one of the worst calamities

suffered by Nepal in over 80 years.

Sixteen teams of NDRF, 50 members each had been deployed in various areas of Nepal.